Daredevil highwire act launches Games

The triple gold medallist, showing amazing courage and athleticism at the age of 44, was hoisted high above the 91,000 spectators, including US President George W Bush and more than 80 other world leaders.

They held their breath as he circled way over their heads like a runner racing round a track in slow motion. Then, hovering in mid-air, he lit the cauldron with a streak of flame.

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